A local developer is floating a trial balloon about saving the Owen Sound Coliseum.
Barry Krusselbrink told the CFOS Open Line on Wednesday morning that the value of the 52 year old building is important to the community.
He feels it would be a shame to demolish the building once the new Regional Recreation Centre is finished.
Owen Sound Council plans to knock down the facility — but Krusselbrink feels with about one million dollars worth of upgrades both inside and out, it would be a viable operation.
The developer feels the ice surface will still be needed for hockey even after the Rec Centre is finished, and the Coliseum could be used for a variety of events once it has been upgraded.
Whether a “Save the Coliseum” movement will ever take shape isn’t clear, but Krusselbrink is willing to work with city council if someone comes up with a plan for the facility.
He admits it wouldn’t be a money maker, and would likely have to rely on donors to keep it going.
Krusselbrink emphasized that the Regional Rec Centre will be great for the Scenic City — and he has not problems with it — but he doesn’t think it is a good idea to demolish the existing Coliseum.
THe City plans to demolish the 52 year old building after Council decided there were no viable, long term options.
